Automatic ticket gate

Abstract

To provide an automatic ticket gate capable of suppressing an entering state (entering depth, entering amount) of a thin medium into a gap so that a part of the thin medium entering the gap remains in a state of protruding to the outside while maintaining an existing appearance configuration constant and without impairing a sense of beauty related to the appearance configuration.SOLUTION: A ticket gate apparatus includes a ticket gate main body 2 for performing predetermined ticket checking and ticket collection, a processing mechanism 4 arranged with a predetermined gap G between the ticket gate main body and the processing mechanism 4 and configured to perform preset processing, and a medium entering suppression unit 15 capable of suppressing an entering state of a medium entering the gap.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automatic ticket gate. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, for example, automatic ticket gates installed at ticket gates (i.e., paths along which people pass) at railway stations have been known. The automatic ticket gates are provided with a ticket gate body that reads information from train tickets or IC cards to confirm whether or not a person is permitted to enter the station (i.e., ticket gate) and whether or not a person is permitted to exit the station (i.e., ticket collection). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 08-087629 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-106378 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 09-198532 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, automatic ticket gates have been equipped with information reading mechanisms capable of reading QR codes (registered trademark) and information on cards compatible with touch payment. The information reading mechanisms are located adjacent to the ticket gate body. The ticket gate body is configured with a fixed structure that can be fixed to the ticket gate at a railway station, and a movable structure (for example, an opening / closing cover) that can be opened and closed relative to the fixed structure.

[0005] For example, assuming that the information reading mechanism is placed adjacent to the movable structure, the information reading mechanism is placed slightly away from the movable structure (ticket gate body) (for example, with a gap of about 2 mm) to avoid interference with the movable structure.

[0006] However, the gap between the information reading mechanism and the movable structure (ticket gate body) is empty space, which means that thin, flexible media such as train tickets can easily get into this gap, and there is also a risk that they may end up getting stuck deep inside the gap.

[0007] In order to remove the thin medium that has gotten into the gap, not only does it require the movable structure to be opened, but if the thin medium is deep in the gap, it is also necessary to remove or disassemble the movable structure itself, which takes time and effort to remove the thin medium, making it extremely troublesome.

[0008] In this case, by attaching a sponge or rubber to close the gap, it is possible to prevent the thin medium from entering the gap. However, doing so results in the sponge or rubber being exposed as a foreign object on the exterior of the automatic ticket gate, which not only makes it impossible to maintain a consistent appearance of the automatic ticket gate, but also risks damaging the aesthetic appeal of the exterior.

[0009] Another measure would be to suppress the penetration of the thin-walled medium into the gap (depth of penetration, amount of penetration) so that part of the thin-walled medium that has penetrated the gap remains protruding outside, which would eliminate the effort required to remove the thin-walled medium as described above, but such technology is not currently known.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an automatic ticket gate that can suppress the penetration state (penetration depth, penetration amount) of thin-walled media into gaps so that a portion of the thin-walled media that has penetrated into the gap remains protruding outside, while maintaining the existing appearance configuration constant and without compromising the aesthetic appeal of that appearance configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a ticket gate main body for performing specified ticket gate and ticket collection, a processing mechanism arranged with a specified gap between it and the ticket gate main body for performing pre-set processing, and a media entry prevention means capable of preventing media from entering the gap, wherein the media entry prevention means prevents media from entering the gap so that at least a portion of the media that has entered the gap remains protruding to the outside. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an automatic ticket gate according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a perspective view showing the open and closed states of a movable structure (opening and closing cover) adjacent to the information reading mechanism. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the medium intrusion prevention means seen through the information reading mechanism. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the medium intrusion prevention means seen from the rear side of the automatic ticket gate. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a medium intrusion prevention unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the medium is prevented from entering the gap. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] "One embodiment" Fig. 1 is an external configuration diagram of an automatic ticket gate 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the automatic ticket gate 1 installed at a ticket gate (i.e., a path along which people pass) at a railway station. The automatic ticket gate 1 includes a ticket gate main body 2 that reads information from a train ticket or IC card (not shown) to confirm whether or not a person is permitted to enter the station (i.e., ticket gate) and whether or not a person is permitted to exit the station (i.e., ticket collection).

[0014] In the example of Fig. 1, an automatic ticket gate 1 is equipped with a pair of flap-type doors 3 mounted on its ticket gate body 2. When permitting entry into or exit from a station, the doors 3 are retracted into the automatic ticket gate 1 and positioned to open the ticket gate (route). On the other hand, when prohibiting entry into or exit from a station, the doors 3 are unfolded from the automatic ticket gate 1 and positioned to close the ticket gate (route).

[0015] Furthermore, the automatic ticket gate 1 is equipped with a processing mechanism for performing preset processing. The processing mechanism may include, for example, an information reading mechanism 4 capable of reading information from QR codes and cards compatible with touch payment, and a medium collection box (not shown) capable of collecting media such as tickets.

[0016] 1, as an example, the automatic ticket gate 1 is equipped with an information reading mechanism 4 that can read information from QR codes and cards compatible with touch payment. The information reading mechanism 4 is disposed adjacent to the ticket gate main body 2 (specifically, the movable structure 7 described later) while ensuring a predetermined gap G described later between the information reading mechanism 4 and the ticket gate main body 2.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the ticket gate main body 2 has a partition wall 5, a fixed structure 6 that can be fixed to the ticket gate of a railway station, and a movable structure 7 (e.g., an opening / closing cover) supported on the fixed structure 6 so that it can be opened and closed.

[0018] The partition wall 5 is provided to separate adjacent ticket gates (routes) and extends from the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 to the back side of the fixed structure 6 (i.e., the opposite side of the route-facing surface portion 6s and cover surface portion 7s described below).

[0019] The fixed structure 6 is configured to house therein a card handler (not shown) that, for example, carries a ticket while performing a series of ticket examination and ticket collection processes such as reading and writing magnetically recorded information and performing predetermined punching (hole punching). The fixed structure 6 is configured to have, on its exterior, a flat path-facing surface portion 6s that faces along the path along which people pass.

[0020] The movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is configured to be positionable in either a closed position that covers the card handler, or an open position that exposes the card handler. The movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is configured to have a flat cover surface portion 7s on its exterior that extends over the entire length of the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7.

[0021] The cover surface portion 7s is positioned on the same plane as the path-facing surface portion 6s of the fixed structure 6 so as not to obstruct the passage of people through the ticket gate (path) when the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is positioned in the closed position.

[0022] Furthermore, the path-facing surface 6s and the cover surface 7s are configured to have contours that avoid the door 3 so as not to interfere with the door 3. In this case, when permitting entry into or exit from the station premises, the door 3 stored in the automatic ticket gate 1 is positioned on the same plane as the path-facing surface 6s and the cover surface 7s.

[0023] In this state, the external appearance of the automatic ticket gate 1, including the information reading mechanism 4 described later, is maintained constant throughout, and the aesthetic appearance of the external appearance is also maintained constant.

[0024] The movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is provided with, in order from one end 7a to the other end 7b, a ticket insertion slot 8, an IC card reading slot 9, a ticket ejection slot 10, and a charge balance display slot 11. For example, a ticket inserted into the ticket insertion slot 8 undergoes a series of ticket screening and ticket collection processes in the card handler described above, and is then ejected from the ticket ejection slot 10. The balance of an IC card touched to the IC card reading slot 9 is visually displayed on the charge balance display slot 11.

[0025] 1, as an example, the information reading mechanism 4 is disposed adjacent to one end side 7a of the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 and is fixed to the fixed structure 6. The information reading mechanism 4 is disposed slightly spaced apart (e.g., with a gap of about 2 mm) from the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7. This allows the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 to be smoothly opened and closed relative to the fixed structure 6 by operating a handle 12 provided on the cover surface portion 7s, without mutual interference between the information reading mechanism 4 and the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the opening and closing operation of the movable structure (opening and closing cover) 7. Figure 2 shows the open and closed state of the movable structure (opening and closing cover) 7 as viewed from the side of the information reading mechanism 4. In Figure 2, as an example, when viewed in the direction from one end side 7a of the movable structure (opening and closing cover) 7 toward the other end side 7b (see Figure 1), the information reading mechanism 4 is positioned immediately adjacent to and immediately in front of the ticket insertion slot 8.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the information reading mechanism 4 is provided with a QR code reading unit 13 that reads information from a QR code ticket (not shown) and a touch payment compatible card reading unit 14 that reads information from a credit card (not shown) such as VISA or JCB.

[0028] However, in a configuration in which the information reading mechanism 4 is positioned immediately adjacent to the ticket insertion port 8, for example, a ticket (i.e., a flexible thin medium) that fails to be inserted into the ticket insertion port 8 is not only likely to get stuck in the gap G (clearance of about 2 mm) between the information reading mechanism 4 and the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7, but there is also a risk that it will get stuck deep inside the gap G.

[0029] In this case, it is necessary to remove the ticket (thin medium) without opening the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 or removing or disassembling the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7. Therefore, the automatic ticket gate 1 of this embodiment is equipped with medium entry prevention means 15 (see FIG. 3) that can prevent the entry state (entry depth, entry amount) of the ticket (thin medium) that has entered the gap G.

[0030] 3 and 4 are diagrams illustrating the layout of the medium getting in prevention means 15 when the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is in the closed position. Fig. 5 is a perspective external view of the medium getting in prevention means 15. Each of Figs. 3 to 5 shows the layout of the medium getting in prevention means 15 as viewed from the partition wall 5 side (the opening 20 side of the movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 (concave surface portion 18) described below).

[0031] 3 to 5, the medium entry prevention means 15 is provided in a location (hereinafter referred to as an expected medium entry location) where a ticket (thin medium) is expected to enter the gap G defined in the automatic ticket gate 1. Examples of the expected medium entry location include above D1 and to the side D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1.

[0032] As an example, in Figures 3 to 5, the expected locations (D1, D2) where a medium may enter are assumed to include two variations in the gap G between the information reading mechanism 4 and the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7: above the gap G, D1, and to the side of the gap G, D2.

[0033] The upper side D1 of the gap G can be defined, for example, as including directly above one end side 7a of the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 (specifically, between the ticket insertion section 8 and the information reading mechanism 4) and its vicinity, when viewed in the direction of gravity.

[0034] The side D2 of the gap G can be defined, for example, as including the area directly beside one end side 7a of the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 (specifically, between the ticket insertion section 8 (cover surface section 7s in Figure 2) and the information reading mechanism 4) and its vicinity, when viewed in a direction transverse (perpendicular) to the direction of gravity.

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the medium entry prevention means 15 is configured to be able to accommodate both of the two variations described above, and prevents the entry state (depth of entry, amount of entry) of the ticket (thin medium) into the gap G so that at least a portion of the ticket (thin medium) that has entered the gap G remains protruding to the outside.

[0036] The medium intrusion prevention means 15 is provided on at least one of the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 and the information reading mechanism 4, which are adjacent to each other via a gap G. The medium intrusion prevention means 15 locks the leading end of the ticket (thin medium) that has entered the gap G when viewed from the direction in which the ticket (thin medium) enters the gap G. In this way, the medium intrusion prevention means 15 locks the ticket (thin medium) that has entered the gap G and prevents it from entering further.

[0037] When the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is positioned at the closed position, the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 and the information reading mechanism 4 are provided with adjacent opposing surfaces M1 and M2 that face each other in parallel and adjacent to the gap G. At this time, the adjacent opposing surfaces M1 and M2 are arranged facing each other in parallel without contacting each other while maintaining the above-mentioned gap of about 2 mm.

[0038] Hereinafter, the adjacent opposing surface M1 of the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 will be referred to as the movable side adjacent opposing surface M1, and the adjacent opposing surface M2 of the information reading mechanism 4 fixed to the fixed structure 6 (see Figure 1) will be referred to as the fixed side adjacent opposing surface M2.

[0039] As an example, in Figures 3 to 5, the fixed side adjacent opposing surface M2 has a convex surface portion 16 that protrudes in a rectangular shape from its central portion, and a fixed side surrounding surface portion 17 that extends so as to continuously surround the entire periphery of the convex surface portion 16.

[0040] The convex surface portion 16 is configured to protrude parallel to the movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 (specifically, the concave surface portion 18 described later) when the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is positioned at the closed position. The fixed-side surrounding surface portion 17 is configured to be able to be arranged parallel to and opposite the movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 (specifically, the movable-side surrounding surface portion 19 described later) when the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is positioned at the closed position.

[0041] As an example, in Figures 3 to 5, the movable side adjacent opposing surface M1 has a concave surface portion 18 whose central portion is recessed (set back) in a rectangular shape, and a movable side surrounding surface portion 19 which extends so as to continuously surround a portion of the periphery of the concave surface portion 18 (half of the periphery in the drawings).

[0042] When the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is positioned at the closed position, the concave surface portion 18 is configured to be recessed (set back) in parallel in accordance with the amount of protrusion of the above-mentioned convex surface portion 16. The movable-side surrounding surface portion 19 extends in an inverted L shape from above D1 to the side D2 of the gap G, and is configured to be able to be arranged parallel to and opposite the fixed-side surrounding surface portion 17 when the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 is positioned at the closed position.

[0043] Furthermore, the movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 other than the movable-side surrounding surface portion 19 is configured so that the concave surface portion 18 is exposed to the outside in its entirety in the portion opposite the cover surface portion 7s (i.e., the portion adjacent to the partition wall 5). In other words, the movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 is configured so that one side of the concave surface portion 18 (i.e., the cover surface portion 7s side) is surrounded by the movable-side surrounding surface portion 19, and the concave surface portion 18 is opened on the side opposite the cover surface portion 7s (i.e., the side adjacent to the partition wall 5). Hereinafter, this opened side of the movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 (concave surface portion 18) opposite the cover surface portion 7s will be referred to as the opening 20.

[0044] Incidentally, by providing opening 20 in movable-side adjacent facing surface M1, for example, when positioning movable structure (opening-closing cover) 7 at the closed position, opening 20 passes over convex surface portion 16 of fixed-side adjacent facing surface M2 without contacting it, and then inverted-L-shaped movable-side surrounding surface portion 19 pivots to straddle convex surface portion 16. On the other hand, when positioning movable structure (opening-closing cover) 7 at the open position, inverted-L-shaped movable-side surrounding surface portion 19 pivots over convex surface portion 16 of fixed-side adjacent facing surface M2, and then opening 20 passes over convex surface portion 16 without contacting it. This allows movable structure (opening-closing cover) 7 to be opened and closed smoothly relative to fixed structure 6 without mutual interference between information reading mechanism 4 and movable structure (opening-closing cover) 7 (see FIG. 2).

[0045] In the examples of Figures 3 to 5, the medium intrusion prevention means 15 is provided on the movable-side adjacent facing surface M1 (i.e., the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7) having the opening 20. The medium intrusion prevention means 15 is configured along the boundary between the recessed surface portion 18 and the movable-side surrounding surface portion 19 of the movable-side adjacent facing surface M1 (specifically, along the outer edge of the recessed surface portion 18 adjacent to the movable-side surrounding surface portion 19). In other words, the medium intrusion prevention means 15 extends in an inverted L shape from above D1 to the side D2 of the gap G, reaching the opening 20 on the side opposite the cover surface portion 7s.

[0046] 3 to 5, as an example, the medium intrusion prevention means 15 is configured to have a locking groove 15 capable of locking the leading edge of a ticket (thin medium). The locking groove 15 serving as the medium intrusion prevention means is configured by recessing a portion of the movable-side adjacent facing surface M1 (specifically, the concave surface portion 18) in a concave shape so that it does not protrude toward the gap G, and is therefore configured to be set back from the gap G. This allows the gap G to be maintained at a constant clearance (i.e., approximately 2 mm) throughout its entirety.

[0047] 3 to 5, the locking groove 15 is provided across the anticipated medium insertion area (above D1 and to the side D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1). The locking groove 15 is configured to extend continuously along a direction intersecting the insertion direction of the ticket (thin medium) into the gap G.

[0048] The locking groove 15 has an upper locking groove portion 15a and a side locking groove portion 15b, and these two locking groove portions 15a, 15b are configured continuously in an inverted L-shape. The upper locking groove portion 15a is arranged close to the upper side D1 of the automatic ticket gate 1 (i.e., the gap G), and the side locking groove portion 15b is arranged close to the side D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1 (i.e., the gap G).

[0049] The movable-side adjacent opposing surface M1 (i.e., concave surface portion 18) on which the locking grooves 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, lateral locking groove portion 15b) are provided is in a state in which the cover surface portion 7s side is surrounded by the movable-side surrounding surface portion 19. In this state, the locking grooves 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, lateral locking groove portion 15b) are provided inside a gap G that is not visible from the outside. As a result, the external configuration of the automatic ticket gate 1, including the information reading mechanism 4 described above, is maintained constant as a whole, and the aesthetic appearance of the external configuration is also maintained constant.

[0050] Furthermore, when the direction in which the ticket (thin medium) enters the gap G is upward D1 of the automatic ticket gate 1, the upper locking groove 15a is configured to extend straight along a direction intersecting the entering direction. Furthermore, when the direction in which the ticket (thin medium) enters the gap G is downward D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1, the side locking groove 15b is configured to extend straight along a direction intersecting the entering direction. As a result, when a ticket (thin medium) enters the gap G from upward D1 or downward D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1 (or from both upward D1 and downward D2), the leading edge of the ticket (thin medium) comes into contact with the locking groove 15 (upper locking groove 15a, side locking groove 15b), thereby preventing the ticket (thin medium) from entering the gap G (see FIG. 6).

[0051] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a ticket (thin medium) 21 is prevented from entering the gap G. Fig. 6 shows a state in which the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 is in contact with and locked in the locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, side locking groove portion 15b).

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, the position of the locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, lateral locking groove portion 15b) on the movable side adjacent opposing surface M1 (i.e., concave surface portion 18) is set so that when the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 abuts against the locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, lateral locking groove portion 15b), at least a portion of the entire ticket (thin medium) 21, including the rear end 21b opposite to the leading end 21a, remains protruding outward.

[0053] In Figure 6, as an example, the locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, lateral locking groove portion 15b) has a rectangular outline shape in cross section, but it may also be configured to have a triangular or polygonal outline shape in cross section.

[0054] In either contour shape, it is preferable that the locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, lateral locking groove portion 15b) is configured with a locking surface 15s extending along the locking groove 15. In this case, it is preferable that the locking surface 15s is set to a form (for example, shape, size, angle) that allows the tip 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 that has entered the gap G to directly abut against it.

[0055] The shape of the locking surface 15s is set to, for example, a flat, planar shape without any irregularities. This allows the locking accuracy of the locking surface 15s with respect to the leading edge 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 to be maintained constant throughout the entire locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, side locking groove portion 15b). As a result, when the ticket (thin medium) 21 enters the gap G, its leading edge 21a stably abuts against the locking surface 15s, preventing further entry.

[0056] The size of the locking surface 15s is set, for example, to a width equal to or greater than the thickness of the ticket (thin medium) 21. This ensures that the lockable area of ​​the locking surface 15s with respect to the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 is maintained over a wide range throughout the entire locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, side locking groove portion 15b). As a result, when the ticket (thin medium) 21 enters the gap G, its leading end 21a accurately abuts against the locking surface 15s, preventing further entry.

[0057] The angle of the locking surface 15s is set, for example, at a right angle (perpendicular) to the concave surface portion 18 or at an acuter angle. In FIG. 6, as an example, the angle of the locking surface 15s is set at a right angle (orthogonal) to the concave surface portion 18. This maintains the locking performance of the locking surface 15s with respect to the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 constant throughout the entire locking groove 15 (upper locking groove portion 15a, side locking groove portion 15b). As a result, the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 that has entered the gap G is securely held by the locking surface 15s, preventing further entry.

[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment, by providing the medium entry prevention means 15 (for example, a locking groove), it is possible to prevent the entry state (depth of entry, amount of entry) of the ticket (thin medium) 21 into the gap G so that at least a portion of the ticket (thin medium) 21 that has entered the gap G remains protruding to the outside. This allows the ticket (thin medium) 21 to be removed without opening the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 or removing or disassembling the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 itself. As a result, the effort and time required to remove the ticket (thin medium) 21 can be significantly reduced.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the medium intrusion prevention means 15 (for example, a locking groove) is provided inside the gap G, which is not visible from the outside. This allows the external appearance of the automatic ticket gate 1, including the information reading mechanism 4, to be maintained constant throughout, and the aesthetic appeal of this external appearance can also be maintained constant. As a result, the existing aesthetic appeal of the automatic ticket gate 1 is not impaired.

[0060] According to this embodiment, the medium entry prevention means 15 (for example, the locking groove) is configured to extend continuously along a direction intersecting the entry direction of the ticket (thin medium) 21 into the gap G (for example, above D1 or to the side D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1, or both). This allows the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 to reliably abut against the locking groove 15 when the ticket (thin medium) 21 enters the gap G. As a result, the ticket (thin medium) 21 can be prevented from entering the gap G.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the medium intrusion prevention means 15 (e.g., locking groove) is configured by recessing a portion of the movable-side adjacent facing surface M1 (i.e., the concave surface portion 18) so that it does not protrude toward the gap G, and is therefore recessed from the gap G. This makes it possible to maintain a constant clearance (i.e., about 2 mm) throughout the entire gap G. As a result, the information reading mechanism 4 and the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 can be smoothly opened and closed relative to the fixed structure 6 without mutual interference between them.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the medium entry prevention means 15 (e.g., a locking groove) has a locking surface 15s, and the locking surface 15s is configured (e.g., shape, size, angle) so that the leading edge 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 that has entered the gap G can directly abut against it. This makes it possible to maintain constant the locking accuracy, lockable area, and locking performance of the locking surface 15s with respect to the leading edge 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 throughout the medium entry prevention means 15. As a result, the leading edge 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 that has entered the gap G stably and accurately abuts against the locking surface 15s, and the ticket (thin medium) 21 is securely held by the locking surface 15s, preventing further entry.

[0063] According to this embodiment, the medium entry prevention means 15 (e.g., the locking groove) is configured with the above-described locking surface 15s, so that the contour shape of the locking groove 15 excluding the locking surface 15s (e.g., a rectangular contour shape in cross section in the above-described embodiment) can be set to any contour shape. This increases the degree of freedom in the contour shape that the locking groove 15 can take. As a result, for example, the locking groove 15 can be set to an optimal contour shape depending on the environment and shape of the above-described anticipated medium entry area (above D1 and to the side D2 of the automatic ticket gate 1).

[0064] "Variations" In the above-described embodiment, the explanation was given assuming that the medium entry prevention means 15 is provided in the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7, but alternatively, variations in which the medium entry prevention means 15 is provided in the information reading mechanism 4, or variations in which the medium entry prevention means 15 is provided in both the movable structure (opening / closing cover) 7 and the information reading mechanism 4 are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0065] Here, when the medium entry prevention means 15 is provided in the information reading mechanism 4, the engagement groove 15 as the medium entry prevention means may be configured along the periphery of the convex surface portion 16 of the fixed side adjacent opposing surface M2 (specifically, the rectangular protruding portions of the convex surface portion 16 facing each of the upper D1 and side D2 of the above-mentioned gap G).

[0066] Then, along these rectangular protruding portions, similar to the embodiment described above, locking grooves 15 capable of locking the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 are provided. In this case, the locking grooves 15 are configured to be recessed from the gap G by, for example, recessing a portion of the fixed-side adjacent opposing surface M2 (specifically, the rectangular protruding portion of the convex surface portion 16) so that they do not protrude toward the gap G. This allows the gap G to be maintained at a constant clearance (i.e., about 2 mm) throughout its entirety.

[0067] "Other Variations" In the above-described embodiment, no mention was made of the groove width 15w of the locking groove 15 (i.e., the distance between the above-described locking surface 15s and the opposing portion opposite the locking surface 15s). However, for example, as shown by the solid line in Figure 6, the groove width 15w of the locking groove 15 may be set to be the same as the above-described gap G (a clearance of about 2 mm), or, for example, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 6, the locking surface 15s may be spaced from the opposing portion, thereby setting the groove width 15w of the locking groove 15 larger than the gap G (a clearance of about 2 mm).

[0068] In this case, it is preferable to set the degree to which the locking surface 15s is separated from the opposing portion (i.e., the degree to which the groove width 15w is set large) so that when the leading end 21a of the ticket (thin medium) 21 abuts against the locking groove 15 (locking surface 15s), at least a portion of the entire ticket (thin medium) 21, including the rear end 21b opposite the leading end 21a, remains protruding outward.

[0069] Although one embodiment of the present invention and several modifications thereof have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications may be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions and their equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1...automatic ticket gate, 2...ticket gate body, 3...door, 4...upper reading mechanism (processing mechanism), 5...partition wall, 6...fixed structure, 6s...path-facing surface portion, 7...movable structure (opening / closing cover), 7a...one end side, 7b...other end side, 7s...cover surface portion, 8...ticket insertion portion, 9...IC card reading portion, 10...ticket ejection portion, 11...charge balance display portion, 12...handle, 13...QR code reading portion, 14...touch Payment-compatible card reading unit, 15...media intrusion prevention means (locking groove), 15s...locking surface, 15w...groove width, 16...convex surface portion, 17...fixed side surrounding surface portion, 18...concave surface portion, 19...movable side surrounding surface portion, 20...opening, 21...ticket (thin medium), 21a...front end, 21b...rear end, D1...upper side, D2...side, G...gap (clearance), M1...movable side adjacent opposing surface, M2...fixed side adjacent opposing surface.

Claims

1. a ticket gate body for performing predetermined ticket gate and ticket collection; a processing mechanism that is disposed with a predetermined gap between itself and the ticket gate body and that performs a preset process; a medium intrusion prevention means capable of preventing a medium from getting into the gap, The medium entry prevention means of the automatic ticket gate prevents the medium from entering the gap so that at least a portion of the medium that has entered the gap remains protruding outside.

2. The automatic ticket gate described in claim 1, wherein the medium entry prevention means is provided on at least one of the ticket gate main body and the processing mechanism adjacent to each other through the gap, and engages the medium that has entered the gap to prevent further entry.

3. 2. The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1, wherein the medium intrusion prevention means locks the leading end of the medium that has entered the gap when viewed in the direction in which the medium enters the gap.

4. The medium intrusion prevention means is provided on an adjacent opposing surface of at least one of the ticket gate body and the processing mechanism, which are adjacent to and facing the gap, and has a locking groove that can lock the leading end of the medium, the locking groove is configured such that a part of the adjacent opposing surface is recessed from the gap so as not to protrude toward the gap, The automatic ticket gate according to claim 3, wherein when the medium enters the gap, the leading end of the medium abuts against the locking groove, thereby preventing the medium from entering the gap.

5. the locking groove is disposed at a location where the medium is expected to enter the gap, 5. The automatic ticket gate according to claim 4, wherein the locking groove extends continuously in a direction intersecting the direction in which the medium enters the gap.

6. 6. The automatic ticket gate according to claim 5, wherein the locking groove extends straight in a direction intersecting the direction in which the medium enters the gap.

7. The automatic ticket gate of claim 6, wherein the position of the locking groove on the adjacent opposing surface is set so that when the leading edge of the medium abuts against the locking groove, at least a portion of the medium, including the rear end opposite the leading edge, remains protruding outward.

8. The ticket gate body is configured to include a fixed structure that can be fixed to a ticket gate and a movable structure that can be opened and closed relative to the fixed structure, the processing mechanism is disposed with the gap between it and the movable structure; 2. The automatic ticket gate according to claim 1, wherein the medium intrusion prevention means is provided inside the gap, which is not visible from the outside.

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